Washington, DC [US], July 8 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, just days after the White House paused certain military shipments.
“We’re going to send some more weapons. We have to — they have to be able to defend themselves,” Trump told reporters ahead of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“They’re getting hit very hard. We’re going to have to send more weapons,” he continued. “Defensive weapons, primarily, but they’re getting hit very, very hard.”
The announcement comes after a senior White House official told CNN last week that the administration had temporarily paused some deliveries — including air defense missiles — pending a review of U.S. military spending and foreign aid. That review, aimed at putting “America’s interests first,” was approved by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the pause was part of the administration’s broader defense strategy, and some officials indicated the Pentagon’s growing focus on countering China and preparing for potential conflict in the Pacific influenced the decision. That effort is being led by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby.
“The Department of Defense continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end,” Colby said in a statement at the time. “At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces’ readiness for administration defense priorities.”
Russia welcomed the pause in shipments, claiming — without evidence — that it reflected U.S. shortages of key systems.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell on Monday confirmed Trump’s directive to resume aid. “At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace,” Parnell said. “Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments across the globe remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest military donor, supplying air defense systems, drones, rocket launchers, tanks, and anti-armor weapons — sparking concerns about depletion of U.S. stockpiles.
Trump had previously halted all military aid to Ukraine in March following a heated Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Shipments resumed roughly a week later.
The decision to ramp up deliveries now follows Trump’s recent conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky. Trump described his call with Putin as disappointing, saying there was “no progress” toward a ceasefire, while he called his latest discussion with Zelensky “very good.”
Zelensky has been urging Western allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses amid escalating Russian attacks. On Friday, Russia launched a record number of drones at Ukraine, just hours after the Trump-Putin call.
Speaking Saturday, Zelensky described his conversation with Trump as the “most productive” he has had, while Trump said the U.S. was considering Ukraine’s request for more Patriot missile systems.
On Monday, Trump reiterated his criticism of the Russian president. “I’m not happy with President Putin at all,” he said. (ANI)
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